Three people have been confirmed killed due to the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in Gombe State, while thirty-one other cases have tested positive across several local government areas of the state.
The confirmation was made by the Commissioner of Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, while addressing journalists on Thursday at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Gombe.
Habu Dahiru revealed that 70 suspected cases have been identified in nine out of the eleven LGAs of the state, out of which 63 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected, with 31 testing positive.
According to him, “So far, we have recorded only three deaths. These fatalities were due to late arrival of the patients at health facilities.”
The Commissioner also announced that epidemic thresholds have been exceeded in wards located in Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe LGAs, prompting an official outbreak declaration.
Habu Dahiru stated that, “I hereby declare an ongoing outbreak of CSM in these locations and will periodically provide additional updates as the situation evolves.”
The Commissioner described CSM as a preventable and curable disease but emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications such as deafness, seizures, or death.
He stressed that, “Symptoms include high-grade fever, intense headache, vomiting, neck pain, convulsions, and altered consciousness. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and throat, and overcrowding significantly increases the risk of transmission.”
A detailed breakdown of suspected and confirmed cases across the affected LGAs includes: Gombe LGA (Dawaki ward): 11 cases, 2 confirmed positive; Kaltungo LGA: 14 suspected cases; Yamaltu-Deba LGA: 12 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive; and Billiri LGA: 8 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive.
Others are Funakaye LGA: 7 suspected cases, 4 confirmed positive; Shongom LGA: 4 suspected cases, 3 confirmed positive; Akko LGA: 1 suspected case, confirmed positive; Nafada LGA: 1 suspected case, no confirmed positive result; and Dukku LGA: 1 suspected case, confirmed positive.
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Meanwhile, the Gombe State Government has taken immediate steps to contain the outbreak by deploying essential drugs and medical supplies to health facilities for the free treatment of all cases.
Habu Dahiru also announced the training of doctors and anaesthetic nurses on lumbar puncture—a crucial procedure for collecting CSF samples to confirm CSM cases.
Additionally, rapid response teams have been dispatched across the affected LGAs to conduct active case searches in communities and health centres.
“We have activated social mobilisation and community sensitisation campaigns to educate people about CSM and inform them where to seek treatment,” he added.
The Commissioner urged residents to take necessary precautions, including minimising overcrowding to reduce transmission risk and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during the hot season.
They are also advised to maintain proper environmental and personal hygiene and to seek immediate medical care at the nearest hospital if experiencing symptoms.
Habu Dahiru further assured that the government has requested vaccines from development partners and will commence vaccination for susceptible age groups once available.
“As soon as we receive vaccines, they will be administered in the most affected locations,” he confirmed.
Residents experiencing symptoms of meningitis are advised to visit any general hospital in the eleven local government areas, the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, or the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe for urgent medical attention.
He warned that, “Late treatment can lead to severe complications or death. I urge everyone to report suspected cases immediately.”
As health officials work to curb the spread of the disease, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other partners to provide necessary support and updates to the public.
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